Senator Marcellino Calls On Attorney General To Save New Yorkers From Federal Energy Regulation Commission Fiasco

State Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R, Syosset), Chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, today called on the Attorney General to clarify what New York State’s options are regarding the proposed Broadwater Energy proposal. Currently, there are questions on what actions New York can take because the Broadwater proposal impacts more than one state. Marcellino’s call came after a public hearing was held by the Senate and Assembly Committees on Environmental Conservation and on Energy.

"The public hearing answered some questions but raised others. It is critical that New York State examine all its options before committing to a plan to deal with its energy needs; however, I am concerned that we be given the time for this critical consideration. There are those who feel that New York does not have a voice on the Broadwater proposal and there are those who feel we have the right to oversee the proposal. The Attorney General needs to take action to find out exactly what our rights are," said Senator Marcellino.

Broadwater Energy has proposed to construct and operate a liquefied natural gas facility in Long Island Sound. This proposal would include the construction of a floating natural gas terminal which would be connected to the existing Iroquois natural gas pipeline.

"If New York has a right to oversee the Broadwater Energy proposal, I want to invoke that right so we can examine many of the issues raised by the public hearing. If we do not currently have recourse to regulate the facility, I would immediately call upon Senators Shumer and Clinton, as well as the rest of the New York Congressional Delegation, to immediately introduce legislation which would enable our voices to be heard," continued Senator Marcellino.

"We cannot sit idly by as decisions are made which will affect the quality of life in our great state for generations. New York is at a crossroads. We can either be spectators on the sideline watching this unfold, or we can get in the game. New York deserves to have oversight, and if we don’t currently have the right, we need to get it," concluded Senator Marcellino.